Ex-Dons midfielder Stacy Long may be plying his trade in the Ryman Premier League now, but he is more than happy to have played his part in securing his old side’s League Two survival.

The 29-year-old, now at Leatherhead, was released from the Cherry Red Records stadium by Neal Ardley in 2013 after the club’s second season back in the Football League.

The Dons avoided the drop by just two points that year and Long’s last-gasp winning penalty at Torquay United that January helped make the difference.

“In the long run, that win helped us survive,” he said.

“I enjoyed every minute there and it was nice to contribute something positive to a great club.”

Long made 32 appearances for the Dons and scored four goals and will face former manager Terry Brown at Margate in October.

And the ex-England U20 international knows it will be a challenge to face up to his ex-boss and his new club.

“Terry is a great manager, and you’d expect Margate to challenge for the title,” he added.

“He has built a really good side there with plenty of experience. When we go there in October, it is going to be a tough challenge.”